Summary of Modal Verb 'Can' and Object Pronouns

## Introduction Quick review: in English, we use **can / can't (cannot)** to talk about abilities and **object pronouns** to replace nouns that are the object of a sentence. This material explains when and how to use can/can't and object pronouns with practical examples and exercises. > Definition: **can / can't** are used to express ability or inability. Example: "I can swim." / "She can't drive." > Definition: **Object pronouns** are words that replace a noun when that noun receives the action of the verb. Example: "I like cookies." → "I like them." ## Part 1: Can and Can't (Ability) ### Basic Usage - We use **can** to say that someone has the ability to do something: *I can play the piano.* - We use **can't** or **cannot** to say that someone cannot or doesn't know how to do something: *My grandmother can't drive.* > Definition: **Questions with can:** are formed by placing *can* before the subject: *Can you speak Portuguese?* ### Forms and Short Answers - The form is the same for all subjects: *I/You/He/She/It/We/They can ...* Table of Examples | Type | Affirmative Example | Negative Example | Question | Short Answer | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Form | I can speak Italian. | You can't play the violin. | Can he cook Chinese food? | Yes, he can. / No, he can't. | - We can use **well** with can/can't to say if someone is good or not good at something: *She can speak English well.* / *They can't swim well.* ### Practical Examples - I can swim. / I can't ride a horse. - Can you drive a car? — Yes, I can. / No, I can't. Fun fact: Did you know that in English, modal verbs like "can" do not change according to the person (there are no "cans" or "canst"), which makes it easier to form sentences with all subjects? ## Part 2: Forming Questions and Short Answers 1. To ask: **Can + subject + base form of the verb + ?** - Example: *Can she cook?* 2. Short Answers: - *Yes, + subject + can.* - *No, + subject + can't.* ### Guided Exercises (solved examples) - Question: *Can he swim?* — *Yes, he can.* - Question: *Can they play chess?* — *No, they can't.* ## Part 3: Object Pronouns ### What are they? > Definition: **Object pronouns** replace the noun that receives the action of the verb or that follows a preposition. Pronoun Table | Subject Pronoun | Object Pronoun | | --- | --- | | I | me | | you | you | | he | him | | she | her | | it | it | | we | us | | you | you | | they | them | ### Usage After Verbs and Prepositions - After the verb: *I love books.* → *I love them.* - After prepositions: *Can you come with me?* (always an object, never a subject) Practical Examples - Ana calls her sister every week. → Ana calls her every week. (her = her sister) - Fruit juice is good for you. I drink it for breakfast. (it = fruit juice) Fun fact: Did you know that some pronouns, like "you," are the same for both subject and object in English, which sometimes confuses Spanish-speaking students? ## Part 4: Substitution and Common Errors - Substitute the noun once it's clear who or what you're referring to: *Emily is nice. I like her.* - Common error: using a subject pronoun when an object pronoun is required: *Talk to he* (incorrect). Correct: *Talk to him.* ### Examples of Substitution - I love books. → I love them. - My sister has the car. → My sister has it. - He doesn't like Maria. → He doesn't like her. - They cook for my wife and me. → They cook for us. - Give the book to John. → Give the book to him. - Can he help you and Abdul? → Can he help you and Abdul? (you is already an object pronoun here) ## Practice Exercises (Self-Check) 1) Write sentences using 'can' in the affirmative (+) or negative (-): - My sister / drive. - Dogs / swim. - Her son / use a computer. - My dad / cook well. (+) 2) Complete the questions with *can* and provide short answers: - A _______ Sarah _______ (travel two kilometers)? Yes, _______ - A _______ you and Jo _______ salsa? No, _______ - A _______ your son ___